Benjamina Z Viray

Benjamina Zacarias Viray, also known to her loved ones as “Lydia”, passed away with family by her side in Corpus Christi Texas on Saturday June 11, 2022 at the age of 84.  Lydia was born on April 14, 1938 to Gualberto Zacarias and Juanita Caloracan in Lingayen, Pangasinan, Philippines.  As the eldest daughter, she grew up raising and caring for her 7 younger siblings. In 1956, she earned her degree in midwifery from Virgin Milagrosa University Foundation in San Carlos City. 

Lydia began her career as a midwife at St. Anne’s Hospital and Olivares General Hospital. She transitioned to caring for the elderly when she migrated to the U.S. with her family in 1983.  She worked as a nursing assistant at Guardian Rehabilitation Center until she retired.

Lydia married her childhood sweetheart Calixto Viray Sr. on May 29, 1963.  They have been each other’s “puppy love” since elementary school and have been married for 59 years.  Lydia was a loving “Mommy” to Lito, Al, and Nyor.

She loved her family dearly as well as her friends and neighbors.  She displayed her love for her loved ones by cooking classic Filipino dishes (and making sure they had leftovers to bring home as well!). She strived to treat everyone with respect, dignity, love, and care. Lydia was a loving wife, mother, mother-in-law, Ate (sister), Tita (aunt), and friend.  Above all else, she loved her role as Lola (grandmother) to Apple, Paulo, Xander, Arjun, RJ, Ela, Renzo, Lisbeth, and soon to be born, Chloe. She loved each grandchild unconditionally and was so proud of them. 

Lydia is survived by her husband Calixto, her son Lito and daughter-in-law Jenny, her son Nyor and daughter-in-law Louela, her grandchildren, and siblings.

Visitation will be held from 6:00pm to 8:00pm on June 17, 2022 at Seaside Funeral Home Chapel with Novena Prayer and Rosary to be recited at 6:45pm that same evening.  A Catholic Chapel Service will be held on June 18, 2022 at 3:00pm at Seaside Funeral Home Chapel followed by visitation from 4:00pm to 6:00pm that same evening.
Funeral Reception will be held at Hibachi Grill Supreme Buffet from 6:00pm to 8:00pm.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.